Hot colors add interest

So many of us love the rich colors featured in kitchen and bath magazines, but when it comes to selecting colors for our own homes, we tend to play it safe. It’s time to be bold and get out of the color comfort zone. Whether it’s a vibrant back-splash, playful shade on the wall, or a new sink color that pops with personality, today’s hot color trends are anything but boring.

Consider these top five color trends for kitchen and bath spaces:

1. Gray reigns king

The 2013 NKBA Trends Report names gray the coveted color of the year. According to the report, use of gray color schemes in both kitchens and baths has dramatically increased since 2010, particularly over the past year. The hue is currently used in 55 percent of kitchens and 56 percent of bathrooms.

“I regularly work gray into my projects because it instantly elevates the design and adds depth to the palette,” said Kohler Design Center senior interior designer Travis Rotelli.

2. Bold and beautiful hues

Neutrals are classic, but pops of strategically placed color add life to kitchen and baths. “Emerald and varying shades of green are hot pops of colors for 2013, and the color for 2014 will be all about cobalt,” stated Rotelli. While he said “it” hues are fun, he encouraged homeowners to identify colors they personally enjoy. “We all have one color we’re always drawn to; the one that repeats in our wardrobes and home decor. That is the color to use as an accent in the kitchen or bath. Color trends come and go, but one that resonates with your design aesthetic and reflects you as an individual you’ll always love,” Rotelli said.

3. Evolve from white

Neutral no longer simply means white. Homeowners are eagerly embracing other colors in place of white, like Dune from Kohler, available for sinks, baths, shower bases and toilets. “Dune is a subtle balance of beige and gray that brings a cool tone to the space — a true neutral that works well in place of white and adds a nuance of sophistication to the room’s color palette,” said Rotelli.

4. Colors that evoke emotion

“Color psychology is a powerful thing,” Rotelli said; restaurants use appetizing hues to stimulate hunger, and stores harness its influence in hopes that you’ll shop more. “Colors can evoke certain emotions throughout the home, as well.” Homeowners who keep this in mind during the design process reap the reward of a truly personalized space. “Blues and greens are popular bathroom choices for good reason: both evoke a soothing sense of calm and healing.” When it comes to kitchens, Rotelli said people are often drawn to colors from their past, because it evokes fond memories from their childhood.

5. Unexpected color

When it comes to color, sometimes you need to break the rules. Some of the best kitchen and bath designs incorporate color in unexpected ways. Remodeling projects provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate color beyond a fresh coat of paint or new window treatments. “Glass tile in kitchens or baths make it easy to introduce new color and texture,” Rotelli said. For those looking to create a more cultivated color scheme and palette, he also suggests thinking outside the box by considering a new faucet finish or incorporating new materials, such as metal.

If you’re ready for color, but still feel a little unsure, Rotelli had one final piece of advice: “When you do select a color, bring samples, swatches and chips home. Let them sit in the space and observe them at different times of the day. Materials can look much different in your home than how they appear under the bright lights of a showroom,” he said.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.